KSR
Book Recommendations

KSR

Matt Jones and the KSR crew bring you the latest in UK news and views Mon.-Fri. from 10 to noon.

Episodes 1,285
Books 132

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Latest Recommendations

Wuthering Heights cover

Wuthering Heights

Emily Brontë

Mentioned 5 months ago

2026-02-19- KSR - Hour 2

The hosts discussed the novel in the context of a planned movie/experience, describing it as a very hot, steamy thriller and noting they wouldn't watch it unless a friend named YogaGirl insisted.

Are you going to go see Wuthering Heights? Apparently a very hot, hot thriller, romantic, Margot Robbie. I heard it's very hot, very steamy. I will only go if...

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To Kill a Mockingbird cover

To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee

Mentioned 5 months ago

2026-02-17- KSR - Hour 2

The hosts noted that Robert Duvall had played Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird, admitted they had never mentioned the title before, and called it a great film.

Boo Radley. He also played Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird. ... you guys have not mentioned To Kill a Mockingbird. ... That's a great film.

Buy on Amazon
The Great Santini cover

The Great Santini

Pat Conroy

Mentioned 5 months ago

2026-02-17- KSR - Hour 2

One participant mentioned a Bfilm on HBO titled Great Santini, saying they had heard of it but never seen it.

It was like a B film I found on HBO. Great Santini. Heard of it, never seen it, but heard of it.

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A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City: Murder, Secrets, and Scandal in Old Louisville cover

A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City

David Dominé

Mentioned 5 months ago

2026-02-12- KSR - Hour 2

The hosts mentioned the book as the source material for a truecrime documentary called Murder in Glitter Ball City, noting they had never heard of the title before.

Based on a book, A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City. I've never heard it's called Glitter Ball City. What's Glitter Ball City?

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The Godfather cover

The Godfather

Mario Puzo

Mentioned 5 months ago

2026-02-05- KSR - Hour 2

The speakers noted that while it was a book, people often forget it existed as one because the movie adaptation was so good.

The Godfather was a book, but people don't even think about it as a book because the movie was so good.

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The Lord of the Rings Illustrated (Tolkien Illustrated Editions) cover

The Lord of the Rings Illustrated (Tolkien Illustrated Editions)

J. R. R. Tolkien

Mentioned 5 months ago

2026-02-05- KSR - Hour 2

The massive pressure involved in adapting this very popular book series into a movie that subsequently won an Oscar was discussed.

Lord of the Rings, like when they were making that movie, that had to be like the most pressure in the world. Because Lord of the Rings has been a big book series for 50, 60, however many years. And then you make a movie and it wins an Oscar.

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One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest: 50th Anniversary Edition cover

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Ken Kesey

Mentioned 5 months ago

2026-02-05- KSR - Hour 2

This book was suggested by a listener and one speaker recalled reading it a long time ago.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. That's a really good call. I read that book a long time ago.

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Hamnet cover

Hamnet

Maggie O'Farrell

Mentioned 5 months ago

2026-02-05- KSR - Hour 2

This book was mentioned as a recent best picture nominee that also won awards, and it was about Shakespeare's life concerning the death of his child while writing Hamlet.

one of the best picture nominees is Hamnet, which also won awards as a book just three or four years ago.

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Harry Potter Hardcover Boxed Set: Books 1-7 (Slipcase) cover

Harry Potter Hardcover Boxed Set

J. K. Rowling

Mentioned 5 months ago

2026-02-05- KSR - Hour 2

The immense popularity of the books was noted, leading to surprise that the movie series was not a flop.

Harry Potter. Yeah, I mean, those books were huge. Very obvious. That's... I mean, if you think about it, if you think about how big the books were, the fact that the movies weren't a flop.

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The Pelican Brief cover

The Pelican Brief

John Grisham

Mentioned 5 months ago

2026-02-05- KSR - Hour 2

This John Grisham book adaptation, featuring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington, was mentioned during a list of his works.

There was the Pelican brief. There you go. That's a Julia Roberts. I think that had Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington.

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The Shining cover

The Shining

Stephen King

Mentioned 5 months ago

2026-02-05- KSR - Hour 2

Stephen King was suggested as a writer who produces content that translates well to successful movies.

Stephen King might be the king for this. Oh, yeah. So think about it. The Shining. It. The Shining. The Shining. The Shining. The Shining.

Buy on Amazon
The Firm: A Novel (The Firm Series) cover

The Firm

John Grisham

Mentioned 5 months ago

2026-02-05- KSR - Hour 2

The movie adaptation, set in Memphis and described as a thriller, was called great, though one speaker admitted they had only downloaded the book and read two pages.

Another one that produces good books and movies would be John Grisham. The Firm. The Firm. The Firm is a great movie.

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Most Recommended

Lord It’s Hard To Be Humble Cover

William Haynes

Lord It’s Hard To Be Humble

This song was mentioned as one of the road trip songs the hosts had taught the listeners over the years. A version of this song by Willie Nelson was also noted.

"

This is a great song, Shannon. This is one of the road trip songs I've taught you guys over the years, right? Mac Davis, Mac Davis, Willie Nelson sings a version of this too. Uh, it's hard to be humbl...

— Episode: 2024-11-11- KSR - Hour 1

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Episode: 2024-11-11- KSR - Hour 1

This song was mentioned as one of the road trip songs the hosts had taught the listeners over the years. A version of this song by Willie Nelson was also noted.

"

This is a great song, Shannon. This is one of the road trip songs I've taught you guys over the years, right? Mac Davis, Mac Davis, Willie Nelson sings a version of this too. Uh, it's hard to be humble.

What's the word to know me is to love me. There's one where he says something like he uses a word and he says, I don't even know what that means.

The War of the Worlds: The Original Unabridged and Complete Edition ( H. G. Wells Classics) Cover

H. G. Wells

The War of the Worlds

The Original Unabridged and Complete Edition ( H. G. Wells Classics)

During a single episode, a host asked if anyone had never read the book, and another responded that it was fake. The brief exchange reflected a dismissive attitude toward the title rather than any endorsement. The overall sentiment was critical.

Critiqued
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Episode: 2024-12-17- KSR - Hour 2

One host asked if anyone had never read War of the Worlds, and another responded that it was fake.

"

Have you never read War of the Worlds?

Yes, and it's fake.

Bel Canto: A Novel Cover

Ann Patchett

Bel Canto

A Novel

The hosts recommended the title to a listener, describing it as a blend of murder and romance that balanced masculine and feminine elements. They highlighted its appeal as a compelling mix of suspenseful and emotional storytelling.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: 2025-03-03- KSR - Hour 1

The hosts suggested the novel Bel Canto to a listener, describing it as a blend of murder and romance that combines both "man" and "woman" elements.

"

Read Bell, B-E-L, Canto, C-A-N-T-O. It's a good mix of man and woman. It's a good mix of murdery stuff, but then there's also some women stuff. Great.

A SEASON ON THE BRINK Cover

John Feinstein

A SEASON ON THE BRINK

The hosts highlighted the book as possibly the greatest sports book ever, noting it chronicled a season with legendary coach Bobby Knight. They praised its deep insight into the coach's methods and personality, recommending it strongly to listeners.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: 2025-03-14- KSR - Hour 2

The hosts highlighted the book as possibly the greatest sports book ever, noting it follows Bobby Knight for a season and was praised for its insight into the legendary coach.

"

Season on the Brink about Bobby Knight, which some people would say is the greatest sports book of all time, where he followed Bobby Knight for a season.

Colored Television (A GMA Book Club Pick): A Novel Cover

Danzy Senna

Colored Television (A GMA Book Club Pick)

A Novel

In the episode, Matt noted that he had just finished reading the book. He did not elaborate further, so the title received only a brief mention.

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Episode: 2025-07-10- KSR - Hour 2

Matt mentioned that he had just finished reading the book titled Colored Television.

"

I just finished a book called Colored Television.

Conclave: A novel Cover

Robert Harris

Conclave

A novel

In a single episode, the participants simply noted that they had seen and watched the title, confirming their familiarity without offering any further commentary or recommendation.

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Episode: 2024-12-12- KSR - Hour 2

The participants listed "Conclave" as a title they had seen and confirmed they had watched it.

"

Conclave. Yes. You saw one. I saw Conclave.

100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist's Guide to a Happy Life Cover

Dick Van Dyke

100 Rules for Living to 100

An Optimist's Guide to a Happy Life

The hosts noted that Dick Van Dyke was set to release a book on longevity, joking that it wouldn’t sell unless he survived to see its launch and that he might need a protective bubble. They expressed confidence that he would make it, but offered no substantive recommendation.

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Episode: NFL Cover Zero: The Playoff Hunt Begins!

The hosts mentioned that DickVanDyke was slated to release a book on longevity titled "How to Live to Be100," joking that it might not sell if he didn't survive to see its release.

"

He has a book coming out. Oh, nice. It's like how to live to be 100. The book will not sell well if he doesn't get to it, so you have to wrap him in a protective bubble between now and tomorrow.

He has a book coming out about longevity and he doesn't make it to the book release. But I think he's going to make it. I think he will, too.

Fight Cover

Norman Mailer

Fight

One of the hosts said he had just finished reading the book the night before and described its focus on the famous Foreman‑Ali bout in the Rumble in the Jungle. He noted that Mailer portrayed Foreman's relentless, pounding style and contrasted it with Ali's superior tactics in that fight. The discussion was mainly descriptive rather than a strong endorsement.

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Episode: 2025-10-23- KSR - Hour 1

One of the hosts said he had just finished reading the book the night before; it covered the famous ForemanAli bout in the Rumble in the Jungle.

"

I've been reading this book, I just finished it last night, called The Fight by Norman Mailer. It was about the George Foreman, Muhammad Ali, Rumble in the Jungle Fight.

In it, he talks about how George Foreman's style back then was, I'm just going to keep coming at you and just, you know, pummel you. And then Ali was just better in that Fight.

Death Note Black Edition, Vol. 2 Cover

Tsugumi Ohba

Death Note Black Edition, Vol. 2

The hosts mentioned watching the first episode of the anime, noting the premise of a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it and discussing its strange appeal.

"

Speaking of episodes, have you started your Death Note? Yes. I watched episode one of Death Note for Jaden Quaintance. How is it? It takes some. The whole anime thing is weird to me.

— Episode: 2025-10-09- KSR - Hour 2

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Episode: 2025-10-09- KSR - Hour 2

The hosts mentioned watching the first episode of the anime, noting the premise of a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it and discussing its strange appeal.

"

Speaking of episodes, have you started your Death Note? Yes. I watched episode one of Death Note for Jaden Quaintance. How is it? It takes some. The whole anime thing is weird to me.

All right. So this is a good thought process for you, Ryan. Guy finds a notebook. If he writes a name in the notebook, the person will die within one minute of him writing. He thinks he can use it to rid the world of bad people, but the story warns about the power getting out of control.

From the Rafters of Rupp ― The Book Cover

Kyle Macy

From the Rafters of Rupp ― The Book

The book was brought up when Miles noted that Cal Macy was promoting it and that it had been co‑written with Dr. Wong. He encouraged listeners to look for a nearby book signing. No detailed analysis was offered, so the mention was fairly casual.

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Episode: 2025-09-12 KSR Hour 2

The book was mentioned during a call where Miles said Cal Macy was promoting it and that it was cowritten with Dr. Wong.

"

I went to Cal Macy's book signing restaurant at the Danville Library.

He's out promoting his book, From the Rafters. I think he wrote it with Dr. Wong, I think, co-wrote that book.

So check out Cal Macy's book signing near you, I guess.

The Experience Economy, With a New Preface by the Authors: Competing for Customer Time, Attention, and Money Cover

B. Joseph Pine II

The Experience Economy, With a New Preface by the Authors

Competing for Customer Time, Attention, and Money

Seth said he completed a certification this year that was based on the book, using its framework to outline five stages of an experience. He offered to walk listeners through those stages, indicating he found the content valuable for understanding how to design experiences. The discussion presented the title as a useful tool for professionals seeking to deepen their experience‑design skills.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: 2025-09-11- KSR - Hour 2

Seth mentioned that he completed a certification this year based on the bookThe Experience Economy, using it to outline five stages of an experience.

"

I did a certification this year in a book called The Experience Economy, and I'll give you the five stages of an experience if you want to go through them.

Warren Sharp's 2025 Football Preview Cover

Warren Sharp

Warren Sharp's 2025 Football Preview

In the episode, Matt purchased the Sharp Football Analysis guide after being told it contained all the essential information, commenting on its phonebook-like thickness and high price, but admitted he never actually read it. He noted Warren Sharp's dedication and even mentioned his mustache.

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Episode: NFL Cover Zero: The most watchable teams in the N...

Matt bought the Sharp Football Analysis guide for about $74, noting its phonebook thickness and high price, but admitted he never actually read it despite hoping it would contain everything he needed.

"

I bought a book... This is the Sharp Football Analysis... Some guy named Warren... Warren Sharp.

I bought it because somebody told me, if you read the Sharp Football preview, you'll have everything you need to know... I opened it and I go, I'm not reading that.

It's about as thick as, I'd say, the Columbus, Ohio phone book. Yes. $45. This is like $74. That's how much this book was.

Warren Sharp put a lot of time into this. He's got a great mustache, too, by the way.

More Bones by Olson, Arielle North, Schwartz, Howard (2008) Hardcover Cover

Arielle North Olson

More Bones by Olson, Arielle North, Schwartz, Howard (2008) Hardcover

The hosts noted that Josh Moore had authored a book titled More Phenomenal about how the Power Rangers conquered the world.

"

He wrote a book about the Power Rangers called More Phenomenal, How the Power Rangers Conquered the World.

— Episode: 2025-08-28- KSR - Hour 2

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Episode: 2025-08-28- KSR - Hour 2

The hosts noted that Josh Moore had authored a book titled More Phenomenal about how the Power Rangers conquered the world.

"

He wrote a book about the Power Rangers called More Phenomenal, How the Power Rangers Conquered the World.

Did you know the Power Rangers conquered the world?

The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild Cover

Lawrence Anthony

The Elephant Whisperer

My Life with the Herd in the African Wild

Matt discussed the book in the episode, noting that it was a bit lengthy but overall good and interesting. He highlighted that it tells the story of a man who managed a nature preserve and learned to communicate with elephants.

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Episode: 2025-08-19- KSR - Hour 2

Matt said the book was a little too long but good, describing a man who ran a nature preserve and learned to communicate with elephants.

"

There's a book called The Elephant Whisperer. It's a little too long. It's a little too long, but it's good. It's interesting. It's about this guy who ran a nature preserve and he started talking to elephants.

The Vegan: A Novel Cover

Andrew Lipstein

The Vegan

A Novel

Matt mentioned that he was reading the title, clarifying that it was a novel and not about veganism. He simply noted his current reading choice without offering a recommendation or critique. The discussion was brief and informational.

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Episode: 2025-07-10- KSR - Hour 2

Matt said he was currently reading a novel titled The Vegan, noting that it wasn't about being a vegan.

"

I'm reading a book called The Vegan, which isn't about being a vegan. It's like a novel.

Our Appalachia: An Oral History Cover

Laurel Shackelford

Our Appalachia

An Oral History

Matt read a passage from the title while sitting in his garden and highlighted how sharing is described as a core way of life in the mountains, drawing a parallel to the podcast's own culture of sharing stories and information. He expressed enthusiasm for the book and its relevance to the community they foster.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: 2025-06-20- KSR - Hour 2

Matt said he was reading his own book Our Appalachia in his garden and quoted a passage describing sharing as a way of life in the mountains.

"

Hey, I'm sitting out in my garden and I'm reading my book, Our Appalachia, while I listen to you guys. Yes. And I want to read a sentence.

All right. Sharing is a way of life in the mountains and appropriately the essence of Our Appalachia. And that's what you guys do. You all share your life and information and great stories. I love it. I just love it. And that's what we do in Appalachia.

The Alchemy of Greatness: The Mind, The Hustle, and the Awakening Cover

Dr. Brad Pagel

The Alchemy of Greatness

The Mind, The Hustle, and the Awakening

The hosts noted that Dr. Brad Pagel had authored a title, which they saw on Amazon and mentioned its four five‑star reviews. They referenced the book’s name and author but did not elaborate further or give a strong endorsement. The discussion was brief and primarily observational.

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Episode: 2025-05-29- KSR - Hour 2

The hosts noted that Brad Pagel had authored a book titled The Alchemy of Greatness, seeing it on Amazon and mentioning its four fivestar reviews.

"

Someone told me he has a book. I'm looking at it on Amazon. What's the name of the book? It's by Dr. Brad Pagel. It's called The Alchemy of Greatness, The Mind, The Hustle, and The Awakening.

It actually has four fivestar reviews.

Roof Warrior: Proven Tactics for Adjuster Showdowns Cover

Dr. Brad Pagel

Roof Warrior

Proven Tactics for Adjuster Showdowns

Matt mentioned that the roofing company owner had authored twelve books, naming Roof Warrior as one of them.

"

He has 12 books. One of them is called Roof Warrior.

— Episode: 2025-05-29- KSR - Hour 2

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: 2025-05-29- KSR - Hour 2

Matt mentioned that the roofing company owner had authored twelve books, naming Roof Warrior as one of them.

"

He has 12 books. One of them is called Roof Warrior.

The Seashell on the Mountaintop: A Story of Science Sainthood and the Humble Genius Who Discovered a New History of the Earth Cover

Alan Cutler

The Seashell on the Mountaintop

A Story of Science Sainthood and the Humble Genius Who Discovered a New History of the Earth

The conversation referenced Alan Cutler's book, noting it was more than just about the author himself and describing it as a collection of short bursts. It was cited as another example of a concise, enjoyable read.

"

It's like Alan Cutler's book if it wasn't just about Alan Cutler, like his was. Cut to the chase. Yes, it was cut to the Cutler.

— Episode: 2025-05-15- KSR - Hour 1

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: 2025-05-15- KSR - Hour 1

The conversation referenced Alan Cutler's book, noting it was more than just about the author himself and describing it as a collection of short bursts. It was cited as another example of a concise, enjoyable read.

"

It's like Alan Cutler's book if it wasn't just about Alan Cutler, like his was. Cut to the chase. Yes, it was cut to the Cutler.

The One and Only Ivan: A High-Energy School Story About Big Feelings, Friendship, and Learning Self-Control Cover

Katherine Applegate

The One and Only Ivan

A High-Energy School Story About Big Feelings, Friendship, and Learning Self-Control

The hosts mentioned that Aaron Torres, a former KSR writer, authored the book and noted it as one of the few books they had read in the past two decades.

"

Former KSR writer, Aaron Torres. Former KSR writer. Wrote a book, One and Fun. One and Fun. That's right. One of the few books I've read in the last 20 years.

— Episode: 2025-05-08- KSR - Hour 1

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: 2025-05-08- KSR - Hour 1

The hosts mentioned that Aaron Torres, a former KSR writer, authored the book and noted it as one of the few books they had read in the past two decades.

"

Former KSR writer, Aaron Torres. Former KSR writer. Wrote a book, One and Fun. One and Fun. That's right. One of the few books I've read in the last 20 years.

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.